Ragdoll - By Abbi-Gail McKenzie

Written By: Abbi-Gail McKenzie

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Abbi-Gail McKenzie, writing under the name Ragdoll, presents a powerful piece titled "Ragdoll" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work delves deep into the harrowing experiences of domestic abuse, capturing the raw emotions and struggles faced by victims. Through her evocative language, McKenzie paints a vivid picture of resilience and the urgent need for change in societal perceptions and behaviors.

About the Work

"Ragdoll" is a poignant exploration of the harsh realities of domestic violence. McKenzie skillfully uses vivid imagery and a candid tone to convey the emotional and physical turmoil endured by victims. The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the cycle of abuse and the societal mentality that perpetuates it. Through her words, she calls for awareness, courage, and a collective stand against such brutality.

Ragdoll

Original Submission by Abbi-Gail McKenzie

ragdoll.

no wait- dis nuh real.

the bruise ina di mirror not as bad as it feel

ye! this is a dream. betta yet- mi gone insane

but mi head coulda chip an mi still a feel suh much pain?

please, please! not another fight

box me dung den tell me him nuh lick me fi spite

mi ina fright

suppose him come home drunk another night

and mi mouth lock because mi nah tell him seh dis nuh right

*******

but oh gosh him did cute an him- sweet yuh see

but the battering, i know dis not what love’s supposed to be

till me pon the floor a crab the door a beg fi mercy

please Lord Jesus mi a beg deliver me

Cause when the hugs turned to a strangle, and my laughter into tears

it’s the first sign seh me a live out my worst fear-

a ragdoll.

brutality. it’s a mentality.

it’s not a dream, it’s the reality happening society.

a leff anxiety inside a me

cause it nuh tek nth fi dis done in fatality

the excuse, for abuse

the love he carries in his fist

the same one him use last week fi shatter mi wrist

him raise him han, she flinch

an her son see it too,

so now him grow up and tink this is what i’m supposed to do!

me heart a heart, fi the youts weh a grow up an a tink seh it,

alright fi give yuh wife a one kick

cause yuh see yuh fada do it. wul on- the message stick

seh a woman’s meant to batter. you can take out yuh anger pon the ragdoll.

listen women, talk up. we nah guh wul it dung

too much untold stories, too much lips bound

the only kinda dolly weh nuh man fi mek a yuh, a the one weh hair fix an dem nails well do

Abbi-Gail McKenzie, December 2025

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the power of words and creativity. It brings together writers across various genres, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and share their stories with a global audience. The competition is a testament to the diverse voices and perspectives that enrich the literary world.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Abbi-Gail McKenzie for her powerful contribution, "Ragdoll," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work sheds light on crucial issues and inspires others to speak up against injustice. We look forward to seeing more of her impactful writing in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.